SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014 Dancers, pipers and Ulster ... · Dancers, pipers and Ulster Orchestra...

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Ulster-Scots Agency (Boord o Ulstér-Scotch) official publication SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014 Inspirational schoolmaster and renowned elocutionist honoured with blue plaque unveilings - Page 3 Hundreds join festivities at Carrickfergus Castle to mark St Andrew’s Day - Page 11 Ulster-Scots novice juvenile pipe band prepares for UK Championships and Walled City Tattoo - Pages 14 & 15 Dancers, pipers and Ulster Orchestra unite for 2014 Burns Night Celebrations Dozens of events will be held over the coming days to mark poet Robert Burns’ 255th birthday. See our special four-page guide for inspiration. PAGES 7 - 10 WIN WITH WEANS’ WURLD PAGE 16 PDF compression, OCR, web optimization using a watermarked evaluation copy of CVISION PDFCompressor

Transcript of SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014 Dancers, pipers and Ulster ... · Dancers, pipers and Ulster Orchestra...

Ulster-Scots Agency (Boord o Ulstér-Scotch) official publication SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014

Inspirational schoolmaster and renowned elocutionist honoured with blue plaque unveilings - Page 3

Hundreds join festivities at Carrickfergus Castle to mark St Andrew’s Day - Page 11

Ulster-Scots novice juvenile pipe band prepares for UK Championships and Walled City Tattoo - Pages 14 & 15

Dancers, pipers and Ulster Orchestra unite for 2014 Burns Night Celebrations

Dozens of events will be held over the

coming days to mark poet Robert Burns’

255th birthday. See our special four-page guide for inspiration.

PAGES 7 - 10

WIN WITH WeANS’ WURlD PAGe 16

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SATURDAY JANUARY 18 20142

Main office:The Ulster-Scots Agency,68-72 Great Victoria Street,Belfast, BT2 7BBNorthern IrelandTelephone: (028) 9023 1113Fax: (028) 9023 1898Email: [email protected]

International callers dialling the Ulster-Scots Agency:Europe - 00 44 28 9023 1113Australia - 00 11 44 28 9023 1113USA - 011 44 28 9023 1113

Regional office in Raphoe:The Ulster-Scots AgencyThe Moffatt Building, The DiamondRaphoe, Co DonegalTelephone: +353 7 4917 3876Fax: +353 7 4917 3985Email: [email protected]

Editor: Gary McDonaldAssociate Editor: Gillian PearsonProduction: The Irish NewsPrinting: Interpress NI Limited

The Ulster-Scot next edition: xxxxxxxxxxx 00 2013Deadline for copy: Wednesday, xxxxxxxxx 00, 2013Contributors should note that publication of any submitted article is at the Editor’s discretion

The Ulster-ScotThe official newspaper for the Ulster-Scots Agency /Tha Boord o Ulster-Scotch

For details of what’s on check out our events calendar - www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events

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Margymore

[Margy-more]

Meaning: Disorder

WORDOF THE ISSUE

www.ulsterscotsagency.com

Welcome to the January 2014 edition of the Ulster-Scot.

May I start by wishing you a Happy New Year with a traditional Ulster-Scots wish – lang may yer lum reek wi ither fowks coal! For those who have not heard this greeting before it means may you live long and happily!

This is an exciting time of the year for the world Ulster-Scots with Burns Night just around the corner! Lovers of Burns join together to celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns by hosting Burns celebrations on or near the poet’s birthday, January 25. The Ulster-Scots Agency will host a spectacular Burns Concert in partnership with the Ulster Orchestra on Saturday January 25 at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast featuring Eddi Reader – find out more on Page 9. Check out our competition for your chance to win a pair of tickets!

A range of Burns celebrations will also be hosted by community groups and other organisations all over the province and further afield, see Pages 7, 8, 9 and 10 for further information or visit www.ulsterscotsagency.com/Burns.

Also in this edition we have a wonderful Burns inspired Ulster-Scots recipe – a delicious Farmhouse Traditional Scots Broth for everyone to enjoy!

As always we welcome your feedback and hope that everyone finds something of interest in this edition.

Ian Crozier is Chief Executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency.

New hall for Major Sinclair Memorial pipe band

Ballyclare-based Major Sinclair Memorial pipe band has a new home after relocating to the Torrens Memorial Hall in Doagh having spent the last seven years rehearsing in the Linfield Supporters Club.

Named after Major John Maynard Sinclair, the Ulster Unionist finance minister who lost his life in the Princess Victoria ferry disaster in 1953, the Band was formed in 1957 with the amalgamation of the William Johnston Memorial and Emanuel pipe bands.The band wears the Black Stewart tartan, and as well as playing in grade 4A at competitions both at home and in Scotland, they can also be found playing at various parades, festivals and summer concerts in the area. From this month practices are taking place in the Torrens

Memorial Hall, with learner lessons starting from 7pm on Tuesday nights.The band would like to express its thanks to the Linfield Supporters Club, which has been their home for the last seven years. “Without the fantastic support and encouragement of the Club, it’s

unlikely the band would still be in existence,” PR ambassador Kim Harris says.“Amos Boyd and his team have never failed to meet the band’s needs, and it’s with a certain sadness that we leave.We wish Amos and the club well with their future plans.”The band’s first practice in the Torrens Memorial Hall took place on Tuesday January 7 with a large turnout of members and well wishers - and a cake was produced to mark the occasion.“The fantastic facilities of the hall met with great approval from all present and the warm welcome offered by Shirley Orr of the Torrens Hall management committee was much appreciated,” added Kim, who can be contacted on 028 9443 2412 or via email at [email protected]

Amos Boyd and his team have never failed to meet the band’s needs, and it’s with a certain sadness that we leave. We wish Amos and the club well with their future plans.”

- PR ambassador Kim Harris

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WG LYTTLEWesley Greenhill Lyttle is thought to have been born near Newtownards in 1844. An accountant, a teacher of shorthand and an elocutionist, he was above all an entertainer, often in the guise of his alter-ego “Robin”, a jovial country farmer who regaled his audiences in Ulster-Scots. He had been a lecturer in Dr Corry’s Irish Diorama Company, which toured Britain and America with a show entitled Ireland, its scenery, music and antiquities. For most of the 1870s he lived in Belfast where he began to write and perform his humorous monologues. In 1880 he established the North Down Herald in Newtownards. In 1883 Lyttle moved the newspaper to Bangor and added the additional title of Bangor Gazette. Lyttle was the author of a great many poems and sketches in Ulster-Scots. His humorous monologues, recited in the speech of an Ards farmer, were reproduced in his newspaper and subsequently published as Robin’s Readings. ‘Betsy Gray’ or ‘Hearts of Down’, his most popular work, originally appeared in serial form in the newspaper. It was printed in paperback in 1888; a third edition came in 1894 and an illustrated sixth edition was published in 1913 by Robert Carswell, revised by the antiquarian Francis Joseph Bigger. He wrote two further novels, Sons of the Sod and Daft Eddie or the Smugglers of Strangford Lough. He regularly performed at various public events as “Robin Gordon of Ballycuddy”. Lyttle died on November 1 1896 and is buried in the grounds of Bangor Abbey. His memorial there reads: “A man of rare natural gifts, he raised himself to a high position among the journalists of Ireland. He was a brilliant and graceful writer, a true humourist and an accomplished poet. Robin was a kind friend, a genial companion and a true son of County Down.” Ulster-Scots Agency chief executive Ian Crozier said there was a very rich literary tradition in the Ulster-Scots tongue, and WG Lyttle was very much part of that during his lifetime.

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DAVID MANSONManson was born in 1726 at Cairncastle in Co Antrim, a son of John Manson and Agnes Jamison, and at the age of eight he contracted rheumatic fever which affected him for the rest of his life. For that reason he received no formal schooling and instead learned from his mother ‘by amusement’. Manson became a teacher of English at the school of Mr Robert White in Larne where he improved himself in writing, arithmetic and the rudiments of the Latin language. He moved to Belfast in 1972 where in 1755 he started an evening school at his house in Clugston’s Entry. He advertised in the Belfast News Letter stating that he “teacheth by way of amusement English grammar, reading and spelling at moderate expense”. Manson also started a night school, offering free tuition to any schoolmaster who would attend. His success allowed him to move to larger premises on High Street and eight years later to still larger ones on Donegall Street. His pupils included the children of such prominent Belfast families as the Joys and the McCrackens. In 1779 he received the freedom of the borough.He was innovative in the way he viewed education. His methods were based on encouraging success rather than punishing failure. There was a hierarchy of success, with Rules for the Morning School and Rules for the

Day School. These rewarded success by the award of tickets and medals for good work while those who refused to work were banished to the Trifling Club. The school was a centre of learning that represented a critical approach to traditional forms of education. Choice instead of coercion; encouragement rather than ridicule; achievement and recognition for all learners were the hallmarks of his method.Enjoyment in teaching and in learning was not just an aspiration but a reality. Play was not seen as mere diversion or leisure but as purposeful, enjoyable work imbued with creativity and success.Ulster History Circle chairman Chris Spurr said: “David Manson was a controversial schoolmaster, vowing to ‘spare the rod’ in an age when many children had education beaten into them.“He was extremely innovative in the way in which he viewed education. His educational

methods were based on encouraging success rather than punishing failure.”Manson was the author of a number of publications including a spelling book, a book on grammar and a dictionary, all designed with the teaching of English in mind.When he died in March 1792 Manson was accorded the final honour of a torchlight funeral, attended by all classes of society. His generosity in offering free instruction to his fellow teachers ensured the diffusion of his methods, traces of which could be found in the hedge schools at the beginning of the 19th century.Ulster-Scots Agency chief executive Ian Crozier said it was a pleasure to be unveiling the latest of the series of plaques to commemorate Ulster-Scots people who had made a significant contribution not only locally but around the world. “In the case of David Manson, all of us have benefited from his style of teaching, which was not to be hammered too much. “It’s great to be in the Cathedral Quarter, at the site of Manson’s school and just across the street from where another Ulster-Scot had established the Royal Academy, the oldest surviving school in Belfast. “That connection between the Ulster-Scots and education is something that was consistent. They believed in education and one of the hallmarks of Ulster-Scots emigration to America was that in the southern states the learning establishments set up by the Presbyterians are very much part of the legacy through to today.”

Two prominent Ulster-Scots - one an inspirational schoolmaster who taught the children of many prominent citizens of 18th century Belfast, and the other who was an accountant, a teacher of shorthand and an elocutionist - have each been honoured with the unveiling of a blue plaque. During December the Ulster History Circle honoured David Manson (1726-1792) at a ceremony at the site of his former house and school, the old ‘four corners’ building in Belfast city centre, while at Main Street in Bangor a similar honour was bestowed recognising Wesley Greenhill Lyttle (1844-1896).These are the latest in a series of plaques funded by the Ulster-Scots Agency, and the Circle thanked the Agency for their support and continuing partnership.

Prominent Ulster-Scots honoured by the Ulster History Circle

“He was extremely innovative in the way in which he viewed education. His educational methods were based on encouraging success rather than punishing failure.”

Below: Pictured at the plaque unveiling to WG Lyttle in Ban-gor are (from left) Ulster-Scots Agency development officer Maynard Hanna; Agency chief executive Ian Crozier; MLA Jon-athan Bell; local journalist and historian Terence Bowman; and Ulster History Circle chairman Chris Spurr

LEFT: Group at the unveiling of a blue plaque recognising David Manson. Among the guests are Ulster History Circle chairman Chris Spurr, local historian John Gray, Ulster-Scots Agency chief executive Ian Crozier and board chairman Tom Scott.

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Cultural traditions showcased to their finest in 2013’s Festival of Marching BandsThe Agency supported the Festival of Marching Bands again in 2013, an excellent opportunity to showcase a very strong Ulster-Scots cultural tradition linked to the marching bands scene and the world-class skills of many excellent musicians.

The 2013 event took place on Thursday December 5 in the Ulster Hall, Belfast. The line-up of eight bands included: » Somme Memorial, Bangor » Red Hand Defenders, Newtownstewart » Letterbreen Silver, Letterbreen » Dungiven Crown Defenders, Dungiven » East Bank Protestant Boys, Londonderry » Vow Accordion, Ballymoney » Pride of the Shore, Belfast » Ballyvea, Kilkeel

The Agency supports local communities to develop music and dance skills in their area, by funding the delivery of tuition programmes. Many of the bands which have performed at the Festival of Marching Bands over the past five years have taken part in a community based Ulster-Scots tuition programme. The Ulster-Scots Agency’s chief executive Ian Crozier said: “The Agency was delighted to support the News Letter’s annual Festival of Marching Bands again in 2013. The Agency currently provides funding for tuition to over 250 community groups spread throughout the nine counties of Ulster. It has been fantastic to have an opportunity to see those who have taken part in the Ulster-Scots tuition programme to showcase their collective talents on stage at the Festival of Marching Bands over the past five years.”

Clan Buchanan Reunion scheduled for summerClan Buchanan has announced the draft programme for its participation in the Homecoming and Buchanan Clan events in June and July in Scotland.

The programme is as follows:Stirling, Scotland, Friday June 27 All Clans and participants march from Stirling Castle to the Stirling city centre. The march will be led by the Atholl Highlanders marching from the gates of Stirling Castle. Pipe bands, Scottish clans and highland dancers will take part in an international parade through the city of Stirling. For further information visit www.pipefest.com/stirlingBannockburn, Scotland, Saturday June 28 – Monday June 30The Buchanan Clan has a meeting place in the Clans Tent Village at Bannockburn Live on June 28, 29 and 30. A total of 700 years after Scotland’s most famous battle, experience the biggest ever re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn at Bannockburn Live (note, the re-enactment of the Battle occurs three times each day).

To purchase tickets visitwww.battleofbannockburn.com/tickets Clan Buchanan also hopes to to have some of the following events arranged to take place between Tuesday July 1 and Sunday July 8:Clan Buchanan ParliamentFor all Buchanan Clan folk from around the world to meet in Scotland and discuss important matters for the future of the Clan including:•Talks on the history of the Clan, The Buchanan Society, etc.•Clan heraldry•Clan genealogy•Future directions for the Clan and Clan leadership •Clan ceilidhVisits to Clan-specific sitesSome of the Buchanan Clan specific

sites that could be visited on the tour include Auchmar, Balloch Castle, Leny House, Callendar, Buchanan Arms Hotel, Drymen, Clar Innis island, Loch Lomond, George Buchanan monuments at Killearn, and at Greyfriar’s cemetery, Edinburgh and Old farms tour. The final programme for Clan Buchanan Reunion 2014 will be announced later this year – look out for further articles in The Ulster-Scot.Buchanan’s planning to come along to join in the Clan Buchanan Reunion 2014 are advised to book accommodation as soon as possible. Click on www.stirling.co.uk/accommodation/index.htm or telephone 0844 493 2139.

The Ulster-Scots Community Network has published a new booklet on Ulster and Canada.

Ulster people have a long history in Canada, going back several centuries, a fact suggested by Ulster place names such as Armagh (Quebec), Belfast (Ontario and Prince Edward Island), Coleraine (Quebec), Enniskillen (Ontario), Omagh (Ontario) and Londonderry (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia).The first significant numbers of settlers to arrive from Ireland were Ulster Protestants, largely of Scottish descent who settled in Nova Scotia in the early 1760s. Many of these settlers crossed the Atlantic as a result of the efforts of Alexander McNutt, a British army officer, colonist and land agent, responsible for seeing an approximate 500 Ulster Scottish emigrants arrive in Nova Scotia during the early 1760s.After the American Revolution many people of Ulster descent, who remained loyal subjects

of King George III (the United Empire Loyalists), travelled north to make their homes in British North America. As a result of the agricultural slump which followed the Napoleonic Wars, large numbers of

disbanded soldiers and struggling small farmers from Ulster emigrated to Canada.Indeed, throughout the 19th and 20th centuries there was significant emigration from Ireland to Canada, approximately two thirds of which was Protestant. In 1867 the Irish were the second largest ethnic group (after the French) and constituted the largest group in the Anglophone (English speaking) population, constituting 40.1 per cent of people of British Isles heritage in the new Canadian Confederation.Ulster and Canada is available from the Ulster-Scots Community Network website (www.ulster-scots.com/publications) or from the Ulster-Scots Visitor Centre.

Ulster-Scots in Canada

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Doagh ancestry and townlands project celebrates local history and heritage

By Bob Adams - chair, DoaghAncestry and Townlands Group

The Doagh Ancestry and Townlands Project was initiated to provide a platform on which to accommodate clear and easy access to the Doagh area’s social, genealogical and environmental history.

As with other rural communities there has been a significant resurgence of interest in local history and heritage, more especially concerning the key individuals who played such an important role in the development of the area over past centuries and indeed more recent times.The implementation of the project was discussed at a public meeting in Newtownabbey Borough Council’s headquarters in Mossley Mill and later at a meeting of the group now known as Doagh Village Partnership. This group evolved from representatives of local community groups, churches, education, local government elected representatives and the local business community. Its main purpose was to drive forward the local vision identified in the Doagh Village Masterplan, published in 2011. A steering group of local historians was then formed to develop the Doagh Ancestry and Townlands initiative.Through the offices of Newtownabbey Borough Council a successful application was made to the Local Action Group, GROW South Antrim, for Rural Development Programme funding. A grant of 75% of the costs required to set-up the Doagh Ancestry and Townlands initiative was awarded. Newtownabbey Borough Council contributed the remaining 25 per cent and the local community provided the considerable voluntary input and expertise necessary to identify the various elements involved in the process as well as to develop the programme at the crucial early stages and

into its planned future development. Historian Dr William Roulston of the Ulster Historical Foundation was appointed to co-ordinate and inform the development of the website content, production of the planned booklet and exhibition materials and the relevant sites for the placing of townland markers.The initial project was based on a similar, successful model launched in the Bready area of County Tyrone and has proved to be ideally suited for use as an interactive resource which will be freely available to members of the Doagh community and

indeed to any other interested individuals or students of local history.It is hoped that the project will continue to expand and will provide a means of recording for posterity the many stories, memories, documents and photographs still available but in imminent danger of being lost forever with the passing of generations.Another complementary project has therefore been launched to expand the work already begun. This will begin to research and collate the more recent memories and artefacts of people living in Doagh, Toome and Whitehead. This initiative, named the Three Villages Living Memories Project, is designed to encourage people from these three communities to build up an interactive resource, design and manage a website and produce a booklet which will outline the recent histories of all three of these villages in South Antrim. It will also compare and detail the similarities or otherwise of issues facing people living here over the past century or so. Funding for this initiative was also awarded by GROW South Antrim through the Rural Development Programme, supplemented by contributions from Newtownabbey, Antrim and Carrickfergus councils. One of the major objectives of the project will also be to enhance each village’s understanding of the other two participating communities.By developing these initiatives it is hoped that the sharing and publication of accurate historical information and cherished memories of local community members, or those who have moved away from the area, will preserve for future generations a knowledge and understanding of their own heritage. It will also hopefully reinforce a real feeling of identity and belonging to a community which has played such a significant role in the evolution of a local society.

The Ulster-Scots Agency held a very successful Christmas carol service at Bangor Abbey on Friday December 6 with readings in Ulster-Scots from the book of Luke, music from Ulster-Scots band KasK and performances by the Starsingers Choir.The event was very well attended with guests travelling from all over the province including from as far away as Cairncastle, Carrickfergus and Saintfield and from the more local areas of Ards and North Down. As guests arrived hot Scotch broth and mulled punch was served to help everyone to get into the festive spirit for the candlelit carol service.Historian and author Alister McReynolds also took part in the carol service by reciting The Nativity by C.S. Lewis and Holly by Seamus Heaney, marking two important events and anniversaries this year for both men. John Erskine, a board member of the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund and the Ministerial Advisory Group on the Ulster-Scots Academy, gave a reading in Ulster-Scots from the Gospel of St Luke to give attendees a feel for how the Rev. Robert Blair would have addressed his congregation in the 1600s.The Ulster-Scots Agency would like to take this opportunity to thank Rev Canon Ronnie Nesbitt, rector at Bangor Abbey for all his help and support and for allowing the Agency to host the Christmas carol service within his church; Bangor Abbey is a fantastic building which is steeped in Ulster-Scots heritage and was the perfect venue for an atmospheric Christmas carol service.

Christmas carol service at Bangor Abbey

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My mother and indeed many Ulster & Scots farmhouse cooks would make this wonderful traditional dish weekly, with beef or lamb, often with a shank on the bone. It was a staple for feeding hungry farm workers who used to arrive for lunch at our kitchen table, and many of the men would always say that they looked forward to working on our farm - because of my mother’s amazing Scots broth.

This traditional dish is also served in countless pubs throughout the world, and consumed with joy at traditional Burns night suppers. Enjoy with your favorite brew beside a roaring fire and raise a toast to the bard!

FARMhoUSe TRAdITIoNAl ScoTS BRoTh(BRAiSED BEEf wiTh winTER vEgETABlES)The story:

1. Presoak barley in plenty of cold water for 1 hour.

2. Season beef with salt and pepper. heat olive oil in large sauté pan and sear the meat in small batches for only a few minutes. Transfer meat to an oven proof dish or a large saucepan. Add butter to sauté pan and cook the onions and leeks for 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and add to meat.

3. Pour vegetable stock over meat, onions and leeks. Bring to a boil and then turn temperature down to low and cook for 1 ½ hours.

4. while beef is cooking prepare carrots, yellow turnip and carrots.

5. Add the pearl barley and cook for 15 minutes and then add the remaining vegetables. Cover and simmer for a further 25 minutes until all the vegetables are tender when pieced with a fork.

6. Skim off any fat from surface of broth. Season to taste.

7. Serve in a warmed soup bowl and garnish with chopped parsley.

How to make it:

Soup ingredients: • 1 ½ lbs Stewing beef (cut in ¾” cubes)• 2 Tbsp olive oil• 1 Tbsp butter• 1 large onion (chopped)• 1 large leek (cleaned and chopped)• 1 ½ pints (6 cups) vegetable stock

• ½ small yellow turnip or Ratabuga (2 cups) (peeled and cubed)

• 4 medium potatoes (2 cups) (peeled and diced)• 5 medium size carrots (1 ½ cups) (peeled and diced)• 6 Tbsp pearl parley• 3 Tbsp parsley (chopped)• salt and pepper to season

RecIPeS Cooking with Judith MCLoughLin

By dr. Frank Ferguson, University of Ulster

here’s a question - in which season is Ulster-Scots poetry at its best?

Arguably, the hamely Tongue speaks very well for everyday of the year. we would suggest that Andrew M’Kenzie’s April celebrates the natural world waking from its wintry slumbers very perceptively. Or certainly James Orr’s Donegore Hill paints a vivid picture of glorious mid-summer amidst the backdrop of Rebellion. for fans of autumn, Philip Robinson’s Novemmer Moarn captures all the freets that occur at halloween. But perhaps the best literary season is winter, when Ulster-Scots poets come into their own with a vocabulary that seems poised to deal with all the rain, hail, sleet and snow which is

thrown at them. Thomas given, in Poems from College and Country by Three Brothers (Belfast, 1900) paints a picture of December taking a stroll through mid-Antrim:Wee lumps o’ hail stuck roon’ his hat,An’ some amang his hair,An’ yet he seem’t no’ mindin’ that,But smile’t tae see it there.The woodbine blossom on the hedgeSeem’t dowey at his blinkin’,The rosebud screen’t wae sheltrin’ ledge,Beneath his gaze was sinkin’Fu’ low that day.

The freezing atmosphere of the scene communicates itself very well in given’s language and the power of nature to tousle wigs and whip at clothes, even when their imagined to be stout Ulster Tweed, is made even more evocative by his use of Ullans:Alang the pad he pip’t a tune,

Syne ower the auld stane brig,Jest then frae Harper’s Forth cam’ doonA gust that tirrl’t his wig.The blackbird smirk’t amang the slaesTae see his duds a bladdin’,While yoit, an wren, an’ wee whun grays,Upon his dress were haddin’Comment that day.

in given, a man said to have only three years formal schooling, we have a brilliant observer and communicator of his locale. it feels if we too are walking through the sheughs, slaps and styles of the local moss. And we feel sorry for the yoits (yellow-hammers) and whun grays (linnets) that have to shiver in the scene with him. But perhaps, it is not merely the fact that Ulster-Scots poets are excellent observers of wintry worlds: they also personify a sense of new beginnings and optimism

at this time of year. in James Orr’s Ode For the New Year, written at time of personal and national anxiety, he rises above his personal despair to deliver a powerful message of hope and possibilities to come.While war and winter scourge the plainsThat peace and spring were wont to cheer,Uninjur’d Erin tunes her strains,To hail another changeful year;And hopes to end it free from fear,The bloody flag for ever furl’d,That grim oppression strives to rear,Upon the ruins of the world!

while it may be cold outside, Ulster-Scots will have a fitting word to describe how nasty the weather can be and no matter how bleak the mid-winter may get, the hamely Tongue will also be looking forward to the new Year and new beginnings.

“The woodbine blossom on the hedgeSeem’t dowey at his blinkin”

- Poems from College and Country by Three Brothers

how our poets of the hamely tongue were masters in depicting the four seasons...

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Paying homage to our much-loved Scottish bard

Burns Night has been part of Scottish and Ulster-Scots culture for around 200 years as a means of commemorating the much-loved bard, who holds a special place in the hearts of the Ulster-Scots.

The influence of Burns in Ulster is such that is was said there was a time when there were two books in Ulster homes, the Bible and Burns.Today thousands of Ulster-Scots host or attend Burns Night celebrations in

the days leading up to his birthday, January 25. The Burns night ritual was started by close friends of the poet a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory. The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the Haggis (see below for details of how to host a traditional Burns Night Supper).

Burns printed in Belfast 1787Such was the impact of Burns in Ulster that the first edition of his poetry printed outside of Scotland was in Belfast. The Edinburgh edition appeared in 1787, and James Magee of Bridge Street, Belfast reprinted and republished it in the same year.

Burns celebrated in Belfast 1844In August 1844 Burns’ son Robert visited Belfast, where his recently-widowed daugher Elizabeth Everitt

(1812-1878) lived. An evening celebration was held at the Burns Tavern in Long Lane. In September Robert Burns Jr was guest of honour at a civic breakfast in the Donegall Arms Hotel, where the Belfast News Letter reported the audience ‘included men of all religious and political classes... all associated together with the utmost cordiality’.

Burns centenary in Belfast 1859The centenary of the poet’s birth was widely celebrated in Ulster. An oil painting of Burns was commissioned in Belfast and presented to Eliza Burns, the daughter of Robert’s eldest son, who married a Dr Everitt and came to live in Belfast’s York Street.

Burns Club founded in Belfast 1872This was the first Burns Club formed in Ulster and it survives to this day as the Belfast Burns Association.

The format for the evening is as follows:•Chairman’s opening address•Selkirk Grace•Bill o’ Fare•The Immortal Memory•Toast to the Lasses•Poem and songsA few welcoming words start the evening and the meal commences with the Selkirk Grace.

Selkirk GraceSome hae meat and cannot eat.Some cannot eat that want it:But we hae meat and we can eat,Sae let the Lord be thankit.

The company are asked to stand to receive the Haggis. A Piper then leads the chef, carrying the Haggis to the top table, while the guests accompany them with a slow handclap. The chairman or invited guest then recites Burns’ famous poem To A Haggis, with great enthusiasm. When he reaches the line “an cut you up wi ready slight”, he cuts open the Haggis with a sharp knife.

To a HaggisFair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o the puddin’-race! Aboon them a’ ye tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy of a grace As lang’s my arm.The groaning trencher there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Your pin wad help to mend a mill In time o need, While thro your pores the dews distil

Like amber bead.His knife see rustic Labour dight, An cut you up wi ready slight, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like onie ditch; And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an strive: Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive, Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve Are bent like drums; The auld Guidman, maist like to rive, ‘Bethankit’ hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout, Or olio that wad staw a sow, Or fricassee wad mak her spew Wi perfect sconner, Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash, As feckless as a wither’d rash, His spindle shank a guid whip-lash, His nieve a nit: Thro bloody flood or field to dash, O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread, Clap in his walie nieve a blade, He’ll make it whissle; An legs an arms, an heads will sned, Like taps o thrissle.

Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care, And dish them out their bill o fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies:

But, if ye wish her gratefu prayer, Gie her a Haggis!

It’s customary for the company to applaud the speaker then stand and toast the Haggis with a glass of whisky.A traditional Burns Supper of Cock a leekie soup, Haggis with neeps and tatties and Sherry trifle will then be served.

The Immortal MemoryOne of the central features of the evening, an invited guest is asked to give a short speech on Burns. There are many different types of Immortal Memory speeches, from light-hearted to literary, but the aim is the same - to outline the greatness and relevance of Robert Burns today.

Toast to the LassesThe main speech is followed by a more light-hearted address to the women in the audience. Originally this was a thank you to the ladies for preparing the food and a time to toast the “lasses” in Burns’ life.

ResponseThe turn of the lasses to detail men’s foibles.

Poem and SongsOnce the speeches are complete the evening continues with songs and poems. There should be a good variety to fully show the different moods of Burns muse.

The evening will culminate with the company standing, linking hands and singing Auld Lang Syne to conclude the programme.

Hosting a traditional Burns Night Supper

ROBERT BURNS 1759-1796

January 25 marks the annual celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Born in Ayrshire in 1759, his poetry has survived as a testament to the proud literary heritage of Scotland.

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Burns community celebrations 2014This year as we celebrate Burns’ 255th birthday, Burns Night celebrations, concerts and suppers will be held all over the world in honour of his life and works.A number of Burns events will also be hosted by Ulster-Scots community and voluntary groups across Ulster.Full details are available at www.ulsterscotsagency.com/events

On Saturday January 25 acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader will join the Ulster Orchestra and Ulster-Scots Agency for a Burns Night Celebration at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

The concert will bring together musicians from the Ulster-Scots and Classical traditions for this one-night Burns spectacular. Eddi Reader is well known for her work with Fairground Attraction and her interpretations of the songs of Scotland’s national poet. This traditional evening of music and spectacle will also feature Piping by one of the world’s

leading solo pipers Robert Watt, drumming by champion drummer and percussionist, Mark Wilson and sensational performances by the Ulster-Scots Agency Juvenile Pipe Band and the Markethill Highland Dancers.Conductor for the Burns Concert is David Brophy and the evening will be presented by Dan Gordon. Tickets cost between £8 and £25 and are available from Visit Belfast Welcome Centre, 8 - 9 Donegall Square North, Belfast.Alternatively contact the Welcome Centre on (028) 9024 6609 or purchase tickets at www.ulsterorchestra.com.

Ulster Orchestra set for Burns Night spectacular BURNScOmpETiTiON

The Ulster-Scots Agency and Ulster Orchestra have two pairs of tickets to give away to readers of The Ulster-Scot.

For your chance to win: Simply email [email protected] with ‘Burns Concert’ in the subject line, providing your name, address and telephone number. Closing date: Noon on Thursday January 23.

Robert Burns House, DumfriesIt was in this simple sandstone house in a quiet Dumfries street that Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet, spent the last years of his life. He died here in 1796 at the age of just thirty seven.Open all year with free admission(Robert Burns House is accessed via steps - please telephone (01387) 255297 for further details).

Robert Burns’ Mausoleum The Mausoleum is located close to Robert Burns House. Free escorted tours to St Michael’s Churchyard and the interior of Burns Mausoleum starting from Robert Burns House will run over the weekend of January 25 and 26 2014.April 1 - September 30 2014 (Monday to Saturday, 11.30am and 2pm) Free Burns Mausoleum Tours - no booking required.

Robert Burns Centre, DumfriesSituated in the town’s eighteenth century watermill on the west bank of the River Nith, the Robert Burns Centre tells the story of Robert Burns’ last years spent in the bustling streets and lively atmosphere of Dumfries in the late eighteenth century. The

Robert Burns Centre is located on Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE. Telephone (01387) 264 808 for further details.Open all year with free admission.

Big Burns Supper Festival in DumfriesSaturday January 25 (10am – 5pm) and Sunday January 26 (11am – 4pm).Visit www.2014.bigburnssupper.com.

Weather permitting the Camera Obscura will also be open Saturday and Sunday (11am – 2pm) allowing visitors a unique view of the Dumfries townscape and surrounding countryside (Charges apply - adults £2.60, concession £1.30). Dumfries MuseumLook out for fossil footprints left by prehistoric animals, the wildlife of the Solway, tools and weapons of our earliest people, stone carvings by Scotland’s first Christians and the everyday things of the Victorian farm, workshop and home.Free Admission. The Windmill tower is reached via a spiral staircase - telephone (01387) 253 374 for further details.

Wee Beasties Museums TrailKids and their grown-ups can start at any of three museum venues in Dumfries and pick up a Wee Beasties trail pack. For further information contact Fiona Wilson, Museums Officer, Access Community and Customer Services at Dumfries and Galloway Council on (01387) 253 374 or email [email protected].

Book a break to Dumfries and see where Burns livedWould you like to visit the house that Robert Burns lived in or visit his Mausoleum? Dumfries and Galloway Council has a number of exciting Burns’ tourist attractions open to the public and as part of the Council’s celebrations in 2014, opening hours at the following attractions have been extended: Tobermore Village Hall Development

AssociationOn Thursday January 23 Tobermore Village Hall Development Association will host a Rabbie Burns Celebration at 8pm in Tobermore Village Hall, Main Street, Tobermore. Entertainment will include traditional Scottish highland dancing with Clare McKinney, a performance by Cranny Pipe Band, a historical talk on Robbie Burns by David Linton and music by the Alistair Scott Ceilidh Band. For more information contact Lyle Richardson on 07876 724 802.

Church of the Good ShepherdOn Thursday January 23 the Church of the Good Shepherd is hosting a Burns Lunch at 1 Devenish Drive, Monkstown. The event will start at 11am and the entertainment will include storytelling by Liz Weir, piping from Grahame Harris from the F M Montgomery Pipe Band, a display of Scottish country dancing by Linda Barnes, accordion playing by Mr and Mrs Bates and the toastmaster for the event will be Jack Adair. For further information contact Rev. Arlene Moore on (028) 9086 4902 / 07450 284 484 or email [email protected].

Naggy Burn Ulster Scots & Schomberg Orange Cultural SocietyThe Naggy Burn Ulster-Scots Society will host a traditional three-course Burns Supper on Saturday January 25 in the No 1 Club Narrow Gauge Road, Larne. The evening will commence at 7:30pm. Piped in by Ballyboley piper Aaron Houston, Willie McPherson past president of Belfast Burns Association will address the haggis. Gary Blair from the Ulster-Scots Agency will give the Immortal Memory while John Blair, president of Belfast Burns Association will delight guests with a Toast to the Lassies and Ann Morrison-Smyth (of Santer fame) will undoubtedly provide a suitable Response. The Reel Fling School of Dance and Dave Lee will provide the entertainment. Tickets are £12.50 each, which includes the traditional toast. For further information and to purchase tickets contact Sandra on (028) 2827 4608 or 07968 164 633. Event sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency and Larne Borough Council.

Tassagh Cultural Rural Neighbourhood GroupOn Friday January 24 Tassagh Cultural Rural Neighbourhood Group will host a Burns Night Celebration at Tassagh Orange Hall, 196 Keady Road, Armagh. Doors open at 8:30pm with the ceremony beginning at 9pm with the piping in of the haggis followed by a meal, trifle and traditional Scottish shortbread. The programme for the evening includes musical performances, poetry recitals and a display by the Tassagh Scottish Country Dancers. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased on the night. For further information contact Esther Herron on (028) 3753 8362 or email [email protected]

Finnard Rural Development AssociationOn Friday January 24 Finnard Rural Development Association will host a Rabbie Burns celebration at Finnard Orange Hall, 47

Old Newry Road, Rathfriland. The evening will begin at 8pm with a traditional Burns supper with Lynda Mitchell piping in the haggis and Keith Hamilton delivering the address to the haggis. Entertainment will be provided by the Finnard Highland Dancers, singer Alice Cartmill and the Banbridge Accordion Orchestra. For further information contact William Mitchell on 07768 486 977 or email [email protected].

Finnis Rural Development AssociationOn Friday January 24 Finnis Rural Development Association is hosting a Robert Burns Night at Finnis Orange Hall, Rathfriland Road, Dromara. A Burns supper of stew, haggis and trifle will be served with the address to the haggis delivered by Frazer Rooney, originally from Paisley in Scotland. Following supper there will be a concert featuring the McDondald Memorial Pipe Band from Dromore, singing by Jenny Branniff, Scottish music by Country Harmony. There will also be Burns poetry recitals by Mervyn Dougan. Tickets are £10 and can be purchased from Malcolm Megarry on 07725 030 780.

Schomberg Folk OrchestraOn Friday January 24 Schomberg Folk Orchestra will host the Schomberg Burns Night Celebration at the Royal British Legion (Kilkeel Branch) Function Hall. This will be the twelfth annual Burns’ Night Supper held in Kilkeel and the evening will begin at 7:30pm. Entertainment on the night will include Scottish dancing performances by the Kirknarra School of Dance, Schomberg Fife and Drum, Schomberg Folk Orchestra, Ulster-Scots songs by Judith McCabe, piping by Colin Moffett, Robert Burns poetry recitals by Gareth Crozier and tunes on the fife and accordion by Keith Lyttle and John Wilson. For tickets contact James Donaldson on 07912 643 855 or email [email protected].

Cairncastle Community & Cultural GroupCairncastle Ulster-Scots 10th Annual Burns Night will be held on Saturday January 25 in Glasgow Rangers FC Supporters Association Premises, 2 Greenland Drive, Larne. The evening commences at 8pm with Trevor Hassin piping in the haggis, Jimmy McKeegan will then deliver the address to the haggis and a buffet supper will be served. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Grousebeaters, John Logue and other supporting musicians. Cairncastle Highland Dancers will also be performing. Tickets are £10 and available from Larne Tourist Information Centre (028) 2826 0088 or by contacting Bobby on 07774 401 935. For further information visit www.cairncastleulsterscots.co.uk

Ardstraw & Baronscourt Youth CouncilOn Friday January 31 Ardstraw & Baronscourt Youth Council will host the Newtownstewart Rabbie Burns Concert at 7pm in the Parish Hall, Newtownstewart. Entertainment will be provided by the Newtownstewart Ulster-Scots Highland Dancers and music by Ulster-Scots traditional group D.H.L. (Bout Ya). Contact Irene Spratt on 07923 365 725.

Piper Colin Moffett and Gareth Crozier of Schomberg Society, Kilkeel are pictured with Kirknarra Highland dancers

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Let the celebrations beginHere is just a round-up of some other Burns events taking place both locally and further afield

Burns’ Night Celebration at Storm in A TeacupOn Saturday January 25 a Burns’ Night Celebration will take place in Storm In A Teacup, 33 Massey Avenue, Belfast.A six course menu costs £39.95 per head. For tickets or more information contact 028 9076 0067. Note, this is a BYO venue - guests are welcome to bring along their own alcoholic drinks.

Cruise to Scotland on Burns NightStena Line is setting sail on January 25 for a special cruise to celebrate Burns Night.Stena Line’s Burns Supper Cruise will offer passenger’s a traditional evening of Scottish food and entertainment for only £29 per person. Burns Night marks the life and poetry of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet and is celebrated on his birthday, January 25. Stena Line will host a traditional Burns supper of haggis, neeps and tatties including a traditional ceremony which will see the Address to the Haggis and the recitation of Burns’ poetry. Scottish dancing and live Scottish music will ensure the passengers get into the spirit of the occasion.The Burns Supper Cruise will depart from Belfast on January 25 at 7.30pm and will return to Belfast at 1.45am.For more information or to book visit www.stenaline.co.uk/ferries-to-britain/day-trips or call 08447 707070 (quoting B112).

Portadown celebratesThe parish of St Saviour’s, Portadown are hosting a Burns Night in their Parish Hall on Saturday January 25 at 7pm. This memorable evening will include a traditional Burns supper, poetry recitals and Scottish music and dancing. Tickets are £8 (under 14s £5) and are available from members of the Select Vestry. For further information contact Alistair Keenan on 028 3833 9632.

Nomadic Burns Night DinnerJoin Nomadic on Saturday January 25 in celebrating the legacy of Robert Burns with a feast of

traditional Scottish food and entertainment. The evening

begins at 8pm and tickets are £30. The traditional Burns supper served on board the Nomadic will include Arbroath smoked Scotch egg, Scotch broth, haggis with a whiskey cream, neeps and tatties, cranachan, whiskey fudge and tea and coffee. For more information or to book a place contact Posh Nosh on 028 9145 9090.

Burns night celebration in LetterkennyBurns Night in Conwal Parish Hall, Letterkenny (behind the Church of Ireland) on January 25 at 8:30pm. Entertainment will include music, song, dance and comedy and a traditional two course Burns supper will be served meal. Tickets e10. For further information and tickets contact John Hegarty on 0876387840 or email [email protected]. Proceeds in aid of Letterkenny and District Pipe Band.

Burns Night dinner celebration at

BlearyOn Saturday January

25 Bleary Farmers Hall Management Committee

is hosting a Burns Night Dinner Celebration in Bleary Farmers Hall, 26 Upper Ballydougan Road, Portadown.Tickets priced at £20 each and includes three course meal and entertainment by the Low Country Boys, Bleary and District Pipe Band and local singer Laura Dowey. All proceeds to Bleary Hall renovation fund. For tickets and information contact John Harrison on 028 3888 1974 / 07855 007 746.

Burns Night in BallycastleOn Friday January 24 the Rotary Club in Ballycastle is hosting a Burns Night in Central Restaurant, 12 Ann St, Ballycastle. Great raffle prizes and all proceeds to Rotary Charities. Tickets £25. For tickets contact Brian Jamieson on 07790673808.

Mountfield Scottish Country DancersOn Friday January 31 Mountfield Scottish Country Dancers are hosting the Mountfield Rabbie Burns Concert at Mountfield Hall, 37 Fecarry Road, Omagh. The Burns Night will start at 8pm with entertainment from local pipers, accordion players, local artists and traditional food. Tickets are £10. For further information and to purchase tickets contact Stephen Patterson on 07775 650 682.

Closkelt Pipe BandOn Friday February 28 Closkelt Pipe Band is hosting a traditional Burns Night Celebration at Closkelt Hall, Drumgooland Rod, Ballyward, Castlewellan. The evening will begin at 7:30pm and include Scottish dancing by the Flower of the Bann, a talk on the history of Burns by Evelyn Hanna and performances by Drumlough Highland Drum Corps and Pipes and Aul’ Hands. For further information contact Robert Hanna on 07967 393 268 or email [email protected].

BURNS EVENTS

2014

BURNS – THE ULSTER CONNECTiON

To download a copy

of this booklet visit

www.ulster-scots.

com/publications.

The booklet Burns - the Ulster Connection examines Ulster’s links with the famous Scottish Bard, Robert Burns and also explains why Burns’ writings enjoyed such popularity, and esteem in 18th century Ulster, which continues to this day.

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St Andrew’S dAy iS celebrAted in Style At cArrickferguS cAStle

On Saturday November 30 2013 the Ulster-Scots Agency in partnership with Carrickfergus Borough

Council and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency hosted a St Andrew’s Day Celebration in the wonderful historic surroundings of Carrickfergus Castle.

The celebration was a huge success with around 600 visitors joining in a day of festivities, food and family fun. There were re-enactments from Ulster-Scots characters King Fergus, Edward Bruce, Conn O’Neill and Hugh Montgomery – it was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to experience life at Carrickfergus Castle in the 1600s. Some of the famous Ulster-Scots characters visitors met on the day included:

King FergusKing Fergus, the first King of Scotland, sailed to Ulster in AD508, in search of a healing well to cure his leprosy. He was shipwrecked on a giant rock or carrig in Belfast Lough. The rock was forever known as “Carrig-Fergus” in his memory. He was buried at Monkstown Abbey on the slopes of Knockagh Hill. Over 600 years later the Castle was built on the rock and became known as Carrickfergus Castle.

Edward BruceEdward was the younger brother of Robert the Bruce, the Scottish King who defeated the English at Bannockburn in 1314. At the invitation of Irish nobles and with Robert’s support, Edward brought a Scottish army to Ireland to wage war on the English. He landed with a fleet of ships at Larne in 1315. Shortly afterward he captured the town of Carrickfergus and was crowned here as High King of Ireland. He used Carrickfergus as his headquarters throughout his three year-long campaign in Ireland.

Conn O’Neill and Hugh MontgomeryConn O’Neill was one of the leading Irish chieftains in Ulster and a great landowner. In

1606 he was arrested by the English and imprisoned in Carrickfergus Castle for waging war against the Crown. He turned for help to Hugh Montgomery, a leading Scottish settler who was influential with the new King, James I, who was also a Scot. Hugh arranged for Conn to escape from the Castle with help from Annas Dobbin, daughter of the owner of Dobbin’s Inn, who smuggled ropes to Conn hidden inside large cheeses. Conn used the ropes to scale down the walls of the castle, where Montgomery had a boat waiting to spirit him to freedom. In return for this, Conn gave Hugh Montgomery one third of his lands in County Down.

MunroIn 1641, the Irish chiefs rose up against the Crown, attacking English and Scottish settlers throughout Ulster. The following year, Scotland sent an army of Presbyterian Covenanters, led by General Munro to relieve the besieged settlers. He landed with a force of 10,000 men at Carrickfergus and used the town as his base to wage war on the rebellious chieftains. Among Munro’s army were many Presbyterian ministers, who established churches throughout the area and formed the first Presbytery which met at St Nicholas’ Church in Carrickfergus

in the spring of 1642.There was a falconry display on the Castle Green, blacksmith, armour and fight and re-enactment, sword, pike and musketry demonstrations and general weapons display in the Inner Ward. Meanwhile there was archery in the Middle Ward, crown making workshops and face-painting in the Banquet Hall and highland dancing displays, storytelling and a spinning demonstration in the Solar Room.Another popular area on the day was the

vault of the Castle where visitors enjoyed a feast of hog roast, Scotch broth and freshly made soda bread whilst enjoying

performances by traditional Ulster-Scots group Risin’

Stour.Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Northern Ireland Environmental

Agency and the Ulster-Scots Agency would like to thank all those who came along to celebrate St Andrew’s Day.Carrickfergus Castle – Visitor InformationMarine Highway, Carrickfergus, BT38 7BG

Carrickfergus Castle houses historical and other displays

as well as cannons from the 17th Century to 19th Century. The Castle is open to the public (Adult - £5.00, Child/OAP - £3.00, Child under 4 - Free, Family Rate - £13.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children) Group rates available (10 plus, must be pre-booked) - £3 per person. Guided tours are also available - visitors are advised to book tours in advance.

Opening times for 201410am - 6pm daily (April 1 to September 30) 10am - 4pm daily (October 1 to March 31) - Last admission 30 minutes before closing time.For more information contact Carrickfergus Castle on (028) 9335 1273.

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The Battle of Bannockburn drama projectClass Act Drama invited audiences in over 20 primary schools throughout Ulster to delve into the history of Robert the Bruce and his most important battle at Bannockburn.

The play written and performed by Class Act Drama explores Robert the Bruce and his connection with Ulster, including his stay on Rathlin Island, the struggle his brother Edward (lead in Ulster) and the Ulster men he took with him to fight at Bannockburn.Stephanie Kenny-Quinn, who helped write the play and directed it, said: “The play has been really well received in all schools; it really brings to life the history and also highlights the Ulster-Scots connection as far back as the 1300s.”After each performance the children got to take part in a short workshop to give them an opportunity to try some of the Ulster-Scots language, chorography and acting from the play.All feedback received on the project has been very positive

and comments have included:“Excellent way to get children enthused and talking about Ulster-Scots links and language” (Rasharkin Primary School, Ballymena)

“Fantastic drama and workshop, children thoroughly enjoyed it and learnt lots” (Culcrow Primary School, Coleraine)

“The way the story was told was very clear and suitable for the age of the children, Class Act Drama are excellent and we will always welcome them to our school” (Drumcorrin National School, Monaghan)

The 24 schools who hosted the performances are all members of the new Flagship Programme and many commented that drama will be a great medium to help their children learn more about the culture, heritage and language of Ulster-Scots.

If your school or youth club is interested in hosting this performance and workshop please register your interest by emailing Gary Blair [email protected]

Celebrating C.S. Lewis and the Island of his Birth in a series of talks by Sandy Smith Sandy Smith, author of C.S. Lewis and the Island of his Birth hosted a talk at Portadown Library on Wednesday December 4 on C.S Lewis’ Ulster-Scots connections as part of a partnership between the Ulster-Scots Agency and Libraries NI.

Sandy’s next talk will take place at Killy-leagh Library on Friday April 25 at 1.15pm and the Ulster-scots Agency would like to invite you to attend this free event.Many books have been published about Lewis’s life and work but none specifically aimed at celebrating his boyhood roots on the island of Ireland. It was Belfast that he and his immediate ancestors called home, and were the genesis of many of his books is to be found.This seemingly most English of writers is in fact rooted and nourished by Irish and Ulster-Scots traditions, a heritage which gave rise to the flourishing of Lewis’s crea-tive and vivid imagination.2013 marked the 50th anniversary of C.S. Lewis’ death and there is a lot to commemorate concerning his life and lasting legacy. He was honoured with the unveiling of a memorial stone in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey on Novem-ber 22 2013 to mark this anniversary and

Sandy Smith gave a talk at the Linen Hall Library as part of the C.S. Lewis Festival on November 28.In this talk, researcher and lecturer Sandy Smith, explores the local places, stories and the inspiration behind C. S. Lewis’s work. C. S. Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and ar-guably one of the most influential writers of his day. He wrote more than thirty books and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year. C. S. Lewis’s most distinguished and

popular accomplishments include the universally acknowledged classics in The Chronicles of Narnia. To date, the Narnia books have sold over 100 million copies and been transformed into three major motion pictures.

For further information contact Killy-leagh Library on (028) 4482 8407 or by emailing [email protected]. Alternatively call into the library on High Street, Killyleagh to speak to a member of library staff.

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SATURDAY JANUARY 18 2014www.ulsterscotsagency.com 13

ENLIST!OUR REGIMENTS NEED YOUR SERVICE

WHETHER YOU ARE AT HOME OR ABROAD

MEN OF ULSTER

www.ulsterscotsagency.com

The courage and carnage of the 36th Ulster Division at the Battle of the Somme was a definingevent in our history. It shifted the focus from local issues to international conflict and turnedmen who had been local opponents into allies on a far greater stage. Yet beyond the Sommethousands of Ulstermen served in Irish, Scottish, English, Canadian and many other regiments.'Ulster and the Great War' is a forthcoming project which will explain this wider history.Please get in touch if you would like your family story to be part of it.

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UlsteR-scots AgeNcY hoNoURs oUR heRoes of the Great War

Ulstermen and women, many of Ulster-Scots extraction, served with distinction in battles and theatres of war throughout the conflict, while others played significant roles on the home front or were caught up in other aspects of the war.Over the next four years, the Ulster-Scots Agency intends to mark the role of our people in the significant events of the war, while exploring and hopefully bringing new light to aspects of the conflict that are less well known, as part of an initiative called Ulster in the Great War.Most people are aware that Ulstermen signed up in their tens of thousands to join the 36th (Ulster) Division. Their heroism, which earned no fewer than nine Victoria Crosses (including four on the first day of the Somme) made an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of people here, which is reflected each year in July and November.Far less would be aware that large numbers of Ulstermen enlisted in the forces of the countries of the British Empire to which they or their families had emigrated, often as part of the movement of Ulster-Scots folk around the world. Notable among them were two VC winners: Robert Hill Hanna, originally from Kilkeel, who served with the Canadians; and James Crichton, who was born in Carrickfergus and enlisted in New Zealand.Of course Ulstermen also enlisted in huge numbers in other regiments in the British army and indeed the Royal Navy and fledgling Royal Flying Corps. A glimpse at war memorials around the Province reveals large numbers who enlisted in Scottish regiments, including the Seaforth Highlanders and Highland Light Infantry. Some went to Scotland to enlist, while others were directly recruited by Scottish regiments in Ulster. At the outbreak of war in 1914, upwards of 150 men signed up to the Black Watch at their recruitment centre in Belfast and their progress was proudly followed in the local papers.Many Ulster-Scots, reflective of the coastal

areas in which they lived, also served at sea. In 2016, the centenary of the Battle of Jutland will be marked by the completion of the refurbishment of HMS Caroline, the last surviving British vessel to see action in the Great War, which now has a permanent home in Belfast. At that time we should also remember Barry Stewart Bingham, from Bangor, who won the Victoria Cross at Jutland and was one of very few naval recipients of the VC in the war. Churchyards around our coast pay testimony to many seafarers of the Great War, both Ulstermen and those far from home, who perished at sea.While some stories are inevitably better known, we are keen to ensure that the stories of ordinary people are also told. To this end, we want to hear from you about family stories or stories from your town or village that you would like to share, particularly if you have letters, photos or artefacts which haven’t been seen widely before. Your stories will then help to inform our work over the next four years and might form the nucleus of a project in your local area.You can keep an eye out for developments around Ulster ahead of the centenary in The Ulster-Scot and at www.ulsterscotsagency.com. Meanwhile if you have any stories, the Agency would love to hear them so please e-mail [email protected].

“While some stories are inevitably better known, we are keen to ensure that the stories of ordinary people are also told.”

Victoria Cross recipient Barry Stewart Bingham was from Bangor

James Crichton was born in Carrickfergus but enlisted in New Zealand

CAPTION Robert Hill Hanna was from Kilkeel but served with the Canadians

In this new year our attention will turn to the centenary of the outbreak of the Great War and to the many significant anniversaries that will follow.

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NewS AND eveNTS

Town Charters Exhibition Tour ContinuesIn October 2013 the Ulster-Scots Agency in partnership with the Ministerial Advisory Group Ulster-Scots Academy and the Ulster Historical Foundation launched the Town Charters exhibition at Belfast City Hall. The exhibition which has been completed is part of a larger research project includes a dedicated map, brochure, a community outreach programme and a touring exhibition.The exhibition will tour to the following venues over the coming months:Armagh Library, January 16 – February 13Dungannon Library, February 13 – March 13 Old Station House Coffee Shop, Augher, February 13 – March 13 Bangor Museum, March 13 - April 30 Don’t miss your opportunity to learn more about your town’s history as the Town Charters exhibition comes to your area.

Ulster-Scots Education ProjectThe University of Ulster in association with the Ministerial Advisory Group for an Ulster-Scots Academy, Queen’s University Belfast, The University of Glasgow and the Ulster Historical Foundation will be launching the Ulster-Scots education Project at the MAC, Belfast on January 23. For further details and an invitation contact Dr Frank Ferguson at [email protected]

Map: John Speed, ‘The Kingdome of Irland’, 1610. Courtesy the Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich Memorial Library and Archive

The fledgling Ulster-Scots novice juvenile pipe band, which made such a

memorable competitive debut at the 2013 world Championships in Glasgow, is cranking up its preparations for the new season.And already the band, under pipe major Andy McGregor, has earmarked contests at enniskillen on May 24 and the UK Championships in Belfast on June 14 for the next stage of its development.

It has also been invited to perform at the walled City Tattoo in Londonderry from wednesday August 27 to Saturday August 30, a show expected to attract upwards of 15,000 people to ebrington Square .“Rehearsals have been going extremely well at our three main venues – Clogher valley Caravan Park , the Ulster-Scots Agency office in Raphoe and in Belfast at Campbell College ,” said Andy.“we’ve certainly a busy few months ahead, and all the youngsters are enjoying the cultural experience and are looking forward to the summer months.”The band, made up of children between nine and 18, was created by the Ulster-Scots Agency 18 months ago and has seen members move from absolute beginners to novice musicians in a short space of time.“At the moment we have 28 pipers at various stages of learning, as well as about 20 snare drummers, eight tenor drummers and a bass drummer,” says Andy, who is supported in the teaching by Mark Carmichael (piping), Barney Megoran (side drumming) and Rachel Ferry (tenor drumming).“Some of the kids are in the

earliest stages of learning their chosen instrument so therefore might not be ready to compete.“But others have already left us because they’re feeding into their own bands, which is ultimately the goal of this whole project,” he added. The novice juvenile band is the product of the Ulster-Scots Agency’s wider education and schools initiative that includes schools across the nine counties of Ulster which has demonstrated how cultural identity can enrich people’s lives. The band came in for special mention at the annual general meeting of the Northern Ireland branch of the RSPBA, and it is hoped that it will be the catalyst for the creation of a novice juvenile or schools grade at a number of contests during the 2014 campaign.Indeed there’s been a significant increase in enrolment at the RSPBANI branch school over the last year, according to convener Darren Frew.Operating at centres in Ballymena, Banbridge, Cookstown, enniskillen and Londonderry , the branch school was attended last year by 71 pipers, 69 drummers and 27 drum majors, all in the seven-to 25 age bracket, as well as by 13 over-25s.“we want to get kids involved early, and it’s a strategy which seems to be working,” Darren said.“There are terrific opportunities now available for young people in Northern Ireland to get involved in pipe banding.“And a priority for the school is to see the membership of local pipe bands go from strength to strength - preferably local pipe bands which are fully interactive in their community.”

By Gary McDonald

Novice juvenile band cranks up its preparations for new season

Belfast hosts piping ‘major’ for next two seasons

There will be 14 main competitions open to local pipe bands this season,

including nine in Northern Ireland (among them one of the five ‘majors’), four in Scotland and the All-Ireland in wexford.It all begins in Lisburn on May 10, tying in with the Lord Mayor’s parade, and the season culminates at the end of August in Portrush.Among the year’s highlights, Belfast’s Ormeau Park will host the inaugural UK Pipe Band Championships on Saturday June

14, replacing the Cowal Games, which has been removed from the majors calendar after nearly a century.The event – which will also return to Northern Ireland for 2015 – is the second of the five major competitions, with upwards of 150 bands likely to attend.The RSPBA’s Northern Ireland branch is understandably thrilled that big-time competition piping is returning to Belfast, which successfully hosted three consecutive european Championships in the grounds of

walled City Tattoo in Derry~Londonderry

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Ulster-Scot pipers prepare for the season ahead

A bit like buses, we waited years for Northern Ireland to have its own Tattoo –

then two come along at once.

And such were their successes first time around that both the Walled City Tattoo in Derry~Londonderry and its Belfast equivalent in the Odyssey complex are to be repeated this summer.The Walled City Tattoo, supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency, takes place in August and again showcases the best of local and international talent.An estimated 15,000 people are likely to flock to Ebrington Square over the four shows, and as well as the traditional favourites, it will feature a plethora of local and international talent including world famous motorcycle display team The Imps as well as rhythmic comedy from Swiss group Starbugs.Massed bands will include pipes and drums, brass and flute and, with the support of Sontas, cultural fusion will create the essence of the whole event.Like the inaugural event in 2013, this year’s Walled City Tattoo will revive and recreate the thriving industries of the Maiden City. Its connection with the development of transport will be explored back to life in a spectacular extravaganza. All the participants will have an enthusiastic approach to local culture. Whether it is Ulster-Scots or Irish, music, song or dance, the cast is intergenerational and enthusiastic, and the ethos is to present the city’s heritage in a fresh, new and modern way.Meanwhile the Belfast Tattoo, held for the first time in September over two packed nights at the Odyssey Arena, is also to be repeated in 2014.Organisers Wonderland Productions will stage the showpiece again at the same venue on Friday and Saturday September 5 & 6. And there will be even more pipers and drummers on the bill, with

at least seven bands already confirmed.Among them are Ravara from north Down, Aughintober from Castlecaufield and Manorcunningham (Co Donegal), all of whom wowed the 11,000-strong audience at the inaugural Tattoo in 2013.They’ll be joined by the pipes and drums of three military bands - 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Regiment and 152 (Ulster) Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps.The headline piping input is likely to come from the Bleary band in Co Armagh, the current Ulster and All-Ireland champions in grade two.Staying with piping, the Tattoo line-up includes Lume de Biqueira, a Galician Gaitas bagpipes band from Spain .The band was formed 1998 at Centro Gallego in Madrid, when a core group of pipers and percussionists settled the basis to form one of the finest Spanish bands and piping-schools. Renowned for their wide and original repertoire, they’ve participated in shows across Europe, including the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin and the William Kennedy Piping Festival in Armagh.But the Tattoo, of course, isn’t just about pipers, and features ensembles from different music backgrounds.The flute bands confirmed already are Ballylone (Ballynahinch), Cahard (Saintfield), Churchill (Derry) and Hunter Moore (Newry), the latter which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year.Murley silver band from Fivemiletown are back in September as they mark their 90th anniversary, while the nearby Dungannon Silver join them.The Tattoo will also feature a range of artistes including drum majors, dancers and singers, and the programme will evolve over the coming months.

Successful Tattoos set for summer repeats

Stormont (2010-2012).Here are the dates and venues for tartan participants and supporters wanting to plan for next summer:• May 10 - Lisburn• May 17 - Newtownards• May 24 - Enniskillen• May 31 - British Championships (Bathgate)• June 7 - Antrim• June 14 - UK Championships ( Belfast )

• June 21 - Lurgan• June 28 - European Championships (Forres)• July 5 - All Ireland Championships (Wexford)• July 26 - Scottish Championships (Dumbarton)• August 2 - Cookstown• August 9 - Ulster Championships (Omagh)• August 15/16 - World Championships (Glasgow) • August 23 - Portrush

There are terrific opportunities now available for young people in Northern Ireland to get involved in pipe banding.

- Darren Frew, Convener

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COMPETITION

COMPETITION RESULTS...

Ingredients:•175 g self-raising flour •75 g porridge oats •175 g granulated sugar •1 tsp bicarbonate of soda •1 tsp baking powder •175 g butter •2 tbsp golden syrup

METHOD1. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas 4. Grease 2 large baking trays. 2. Put the oats, flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. 3. Put the butter and golden syrup into a pan, heat over a low heat, stirring until the butter has melted and combined with the syrup. Pour into

the mixing bowl and stir until combined (Use your hands if you need to!).4. Turn out of the bowl onto a work surface and divide into approximately 28 and shape into balls, about 2cm thick. 5. Arrange on the baking trays, leaving space between each one as they will spread. Press the tops gently to flatten slightly into a cookie shape. 6. Bake for 12 - 15 minutes until golden brown and firm. Remove from the oven and using a fish slice, transfer to a cooling rack to cool and firm up.

Preparation time:15 minutes

Cook time:12 to 15 minutes

Makes: 28 cookies

We have three copies of Robert Burns And All That to give away (aimed at children aged 8-12). This beautifully illustrated publication is a real-life adventure packed with historical facts about Scotland’s national bard. Meet the lassies who stole Burns’ heart and the creatures that inspired his poetry. Robert Burns And All That is a book that simply must be read for the sake of auld lang syne!

For your chance to win: Simply email [email protected] with ‘Burns Publication’ in the subject line, providing your name and address.Closing date: Noon on Monday February 17 2014.

Congratulations to Elizabeth Reid and Natasha Morton (both from Belfast) who won a family pass each to see Sleeping Beauty at the Grand Opera House! We hope you enjoyed the performance on Wednesday December 18.

Recipe

Delicious

oatcakecookies

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